People hold their breaths as well as hopes as Formula One legend Michael Schumacher, still in coma turns 45 years old on Friday.

People hold their breaths as well as hopes as Formula One legend Michael Schumacher, still in coma turns 45 years old on Friday.

Seven-times Formula One world champion Schumacher, without doubt the most successful and celebrated F1 racer in history, is in a medically-induced coma since suffering critical head injuries in a skiing accident in the French Alps last week.

Fans of Michael Schumacher as well as the Ferrari F1 team will hold a "silent gathering" in front of the Grenoble hospital, where he is admitted, for the birthday of the great legend.

"His condition remains stable this morning. At the moment this is good news but I don't want to go into further prospects as it is too early. He is still in an artificial coma," his agent Sabine Kehm told the media on January 1st. There hasn’t been much news since then.

Schumacher's accident triggered an outpouring of concern among fans, former team-mates and rivals around the world.

His family, aware of the love, adoration and prayers of all those who love Michael Schumacher have posted their gratitude for the fans on his site:

"Following Michael's sking accident, we would like to thank the people from all around the world who have expressed their sympathy and sent their best wishes for his recovery. They are giving us great support.